The 5 Senses in Belize

As the year draws to a close, this is what I have seen, heard, felt, smelled and tasted while in Belize.

Sight
A picture is worth a thousand words, which is good because I have seen far too many things to describe them all! Some highlights are below.

A mini Independence Day celebrator

This bush is in our yard and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

View of the sunset from the roof

Banquitas House of Culture (it is like a museum)

The mountains of Mexico, across a field of sugar cane

Blackened Soup

Taste
I am sorry that the internet is not advanced enough to provide samples for taste testing. My only solution: come and visit. Then you can experience it for yourself! My favorite Belizean meal so far is tostadas. I also love how Belizeans eat their fruit. Here is a recipe which you can try at home!

cut up fruit (pineapple chunks, papaya, orange slices, or plums)
chili pepper
salt

Mix salt and chili pepper together in whatever consistency you can handle. Sprinkle over fruit. Enjoy! The salt brings out the sweetness of the fruit. I especially enjoy it with oranges.
 


Sound
By far this was the most overwhelming part of Belize for me. Now that I have been here a while, it is also my favorite. The din around me was so loud and prevalent when I first arrived. At first, it was difficult to sleep with the all commotion! The only reason I have discovered for this is everyone keeps their windows wide open (who would want to suffer in a stuffy house otherwise??). Therefore the cacophony is transmitted and received quite clearly. No one seems to mind either. We all listen to the loudest sounds: a neighbor's radio, drum practice, the various vendors parading their wares up and down the street, birds (one of which makes a kissing-noise!), barking dogs, crowing roosters (at ALL hours), children playing, rain, vehicles driving by, and people partying. I have yet to hear one person complain about "the noise." Now that I have been here awhile, I am adjusting and beginning to find beauty in this new kind of symphony. I really like that kissing bird! 

Smell
The pungent smell of smoke is always present. People burn their trash regularly. As it is Autumn, I feel this is an appropriate smell for this time of year. I always associate bonfires with the Fall and Winter seasons. In fact, we had a fall cookout ourselves where we roasted hot dogs. If only the temperature would cooperate a bit... Of course in town, the tantalizing odor of Belizean cooking fills the air. Yum! 

Touch
Now that I have been here so long, I find it hard to remember a world without humidity. The air used to feel very heavy and oppressive, like a sweater or heavy blanket.  Now I cannot even tell it's there!

Potholes are another sensation. You cannot travel anywhere in Belize without diving into or lurching over a crater or speed bump. On some roads, I feel like I'm on a roller coaster!
The sun's warmth feels very different here. It is more like being the ant under a microscope, than a gentle caress. I'm guessing this is because we are so close to the equator.
My clothes have a new feel. It is because of the downy softener. Without it, our line-dried clothes would be so stiff they could probably walk to school themselves!
The wind never changes- no matter where you go. The wind I have experienced in Belize is always cool. It is a welcome relief, an old friend. Most days, the wind doesn't blow. When it does, it becomes the literal "breath of fresh air," cleaning out the smoke, and providing relief from the sun.
Wet pavement becomes slippery. Who would have guessed I would have to worry about slipping on something other than ice??

“please don't cook me, kind sirs! I am a good cook myself, and cook better than I cook, if you see what I mean.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit